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Repeated sprint ability — MRCP Part 1 MCQ

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HardExercise PhysiologyRepeated sprint abilityMRCP Part 1

A competitive skier reports cough and chest tightness after races. Resting spirometry is normal and symptoms are absent during clinic review. Which result objectively establishes exercise-induced bronchoconstriction?

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Correct answer: B — A reproducible 10% FEV1 fall after exercise challenge

The best answer is “A reproducible 10% FEV1 fall after exercise challenge”. Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction should be diagnosed by a change in lung function, not symptoms alone, because upper-airway dysfunction and dysfunctional breathing can mimic it in athletes. A reproducible fall in FEV1 of at least 10% from baseline after a sufficiently intense, suitably dry-air exercise or indirect challenge meets the guideline threshold. Normal resting spirometry and interval peak flow do not exclude EIB, while FVC change and symptom reporting are not the defining objective criterion.

Reference: ATS exercise-induced bronchoconstriction guideline: https://www.thoracic.org/statements/resources/allergy-asthma/exercise-induced-bronchoconstriction.pdf